Robert Silvas, President, Silvy Group, USA
Speaker Biograghy:
Bob has over 25 years’ experience with San Diego International Airport and the Silvy Group. He began his career handling airline affairs before becoming Manager of Concession Development. In 2003 he was named Director of Small Business Development, where he was the architect for SAN’s award-winning inclusionary approach. His recognitions include ACI-NA’s inaugural Inclusionary Champion Award; the FAA’s DBE Advocate of the Year; AMAC’s Award of the Organization and the Airport Architecture, Engineering & Construction Award and numerous local awards. In addition, Bob was named Metro Mover by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine in 2012. Bob has twice chaired the ACI-NA Business Diversity Committee and is a former member of the Board of Directors for AMAC. He has spoken on the topic of inclusion at national conferences including ACI-NA, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), AMAC and Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).
Day 2 - 21 March
Session:
Commercial Development, Retail & Concessions
11:55 - 12:55
- Panel Discussion: Creating a level playing field: innovation in small business development
Synopsis: Small businesses are the backbone of a regional economy. But they are often unable to compete for large airport development projects – not because they lack the skills or expertise, but because they often lack capital, certifications and knowledge of how to navigate complex bureaucracies. Solving this problem has required an innovative approach involving specialised training, education and other assistance to level the playing field. The results have yielded dividends for the local economy, small businesses and airports themselves. Learn from this panel of airport and business leaders how airports and small businesses can work together for mutual benefit.
Audience will learn:
- Creating bonding and financing programmes that help small businesses stay afloat even when prime contractors are slow to pay
- Getting certified: how to best help small businesses sort through the financial and bureaucratic mazes of certification
- Can partnering with a local construction company help educate a regional workforce and boost competitiveness? One word: Yes
- Veterans are a special group that deserves special considerations. How do we maximise their potential?
- Helping local shops and restaurants compete with experienced master concessionaires so that your airport truly reflects the local flavour